Malcolm Hemmings-Portas

Associate Solicitor

I qualified as a solicitor in 1987 and I joined Crane & Staples in 2014 as an Associate in the Commercial Property Department.

I have broad experience dealing with a range of aspects of Commercial Property, with particular emphasis on development projects.

My expertise includes:-

acting for developers in relation to site acquisitions by way of option agreements and contracts, conditional upon obtaining planning consent and negotiating planning agreements with the local authorities.
acquisition and disposal of Commercial Property, acting for property investors, owner-occupiers, developers and pension schemes and dealing with both corporate clients and private individuals.
commercial leases, and having acted for both landlords and tenants, I am able to adopt a balanced approach to the negotiation of lease agreements.

Outside the office

I enjoy running and take part in a weekend park run as often as possible. I own a 1972 MGB and as a result have a fascination for classic British sports cars. I also follow F1 motor racing.

Conveyancing Quality Scheme

I found them to be exceptionally quick, efficient and reasonably priced. The best solicitors I have ever used.
Legal 500, 2025
I have found the team here hugely responsive, very transparent about costs and have implemented a really helpful app so that you can see how things are progressing and what is expected of you. Also extremely warm to deal with.
Legal 500, 2025
What sets this practice apart from others are how the team all go the extra mile. They always keep you informed on progress and appear to be more diligent than other parties involved in a transaction/
Legal 500, 2025
The practice always seems to deliver excellent levels of customer service, I have recommended them to many friends and family, they too have all been delighted with the level of support.
Legal 500, 2025
All of the team at Crane and Staples are highly professional and yet down to earth and approachable. Very often lawyers can use language that the ordinary person doesn’t understand, but at this firm, that has never been an issue.
Legal 500, 2025
Everyone I work with at Crane & Staples takes the time to listen to the issue I'm aiming to address and understand my feelings about possible outcomes. They are diligent, patient with my tardiness and their advice has always stood the test of any challenges.
Legal 500, 2025
This practice is exceptional throughout. They are all very friendly from the start, willing to go through everything thoroughly in each of the procedures.
Legal 500, 2025
The team are friendly, professional and will go the extra mile for their clients. Simply put, nothing is too much trouble. The chemistry of the team pulling together is unique and is a joy to behold.
Legal 500 2024
They are very attentive and have looked after my legal affairs with compassion, support and understanding. Their ability to communicate with clarity is excellent. Their staff are always courteous and always get back to me.
Legal 500 2024
Unsurpassed depth of knowledge. A real attention to detail and all round professional, dedicated approach that makes them a joy to work with. Very personable and easy to deal with.
Legal 500 2024
I wouldn’t use any other law firm. Their knowledge, advice, service and support has been second to none.
Legal 500 2024
Their advice and guidance is clearly explained, with alternative solutions provided for consideration.
Chambers HNW 2023
Crane & Staples have all aspects of the law covered and are able to proceed with complex matters.
Chambers HNW 2023
They are honest and transparent with the process, including costs and work together with the client. They are friendly and care about getting you a good outcome.
Legal 500 2023
Great professional and technical knowledge but also the experience to know how and when to apply this knowledge in the right context and situation which was essential in the advice that I needed.
Legal 500 2023
An outstanding team who always go the extra mile in supporting clients. Such high quality work and attention to detail within end to end support approaches.
Legal 500 2023
Crane & Staples has a highly skilled team of individuals who are knowledgeable, dedicated, approachable and who liaise with their colleagues to ensure the optimum level of service is delivered.
Legal 500 2023
They are truly excellent at what they do. At no point during any of our dealings with them did we have to chase for an update or wait for them to contact us.
Legal 500 2023
Excellent people who work together seamlessly to achieve results. I think their team is second to none in terms of quality and skill.
Legal 500 2023
We have used C&S for a number of legal needs over the past 10 years. They have always acted in a highly professional manner, seeking to fully understand our requirements before providing advice.
Legal 500 2023
Crane and Staples have an excellent service and team. It was a pleasure working with them and I would highly recommend them to anyone.
Everything was dealt with speedily, professionally and efficiently. I would highly recommend Crane and Staples LLP to anyone.
Impeccable. Warm and friendly. I'm most grateful for a very efficient service at a difficult time.
We have used this firm for conveyancing, wills and POA for many years and have always been very happy with the quality of their work and their responsiveness.
My entire experience with Crane and Staples was first class. Totally professional in every respect, really cannot recommend highly enough.
All members of the team are approachable, well mannered and seem to be very well informed.
Chambers HNW 2024
Their communication is fantastic. They are bringing in great junior lawyers, training good lawyers to create the next generation. I fully endorse what they are doing.
Chambers HNW 2024
You were always refreshingly straightforward, responsive, personable and keen to find a way through difficulties.
You were a lifeline through my divorce, turning a daunting process into something manageable. You were always there, ready to explain things in a way that made sense, without overwhelming me. Your dedication shone through in regular updates and your push for the best outcome. I’m deeply grateful for your support and professionalism and I would highly recommend you for anyone facing a legal challenge.
I felt an enormous weight had been lifted from me and a clear course of action established. I would never even think of using any firm of solicitors other than Crane & Staples.
I could not have navigated this part of my life without your guidance and understanding of what was truly going on. I feel like I have a future now in some peaceful and positive way, so thank you.
The whole process felt so painless and stress free, something we’ve never experienced before with a house purchase. I’ll be recommending Crane and Staples to everyone!
I am truly appreciative of the effort in ensuring a positive outcome. The outcome is certainly welcomed relief and closure of this journey, which wouldn’t have been possible without your guidance and support. Once again, thank you for your exceptional legal support and professionalism.
They called me the same day and within a single consultancy had put my mind at ease and gave me a legal and definite path to follow which will save me a lot of money and resolve the issue.
Your expertise has truly been instrumental in putting matters into perspective and alleviating my concerns. Once again, thank you for your swift assistance and valuable advice.
Your expertise and knowledge relieved the stress and gave us the confidence the matter would run through to a smooth conclusion.
You have been very attentive and made sure that I have been kept informed at every stage. This is very reassuring for me as a lay person in what can be a challenging process when buying and selling properties.
It’s taken a huge weight off my shoulders and life is looking a lot brighter.
They really help you to see things as they are and are so good at helping take the stress out of what can be awful situations and putting you at ease.
We are very happy that this case is finally over and really pleased with the outcome. Thank you for your and your team's hard work on this case. We will be recommending Crane & Staples to whoever will be in need of solicitors.
Life feels more settled now thanks to you and all your hard work!
They were a reassuring presence to me which gave me confidence as we progressed through the process. I highly recommend.
I have come away with the feeling of contentment and peace of mind. I cannot explain the relief I feel now, which is down to you.
I just wanted to thank you for your kindness to me. It made me feel much better and not so alone! I really do appreciate it. Thank you once again so much.

Latest News

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